Abstract des Autors

The comparison of somatic and physical fitness variables between children from Merida (Mexico) and Lodz (Poland) revealed that Polish children were taller and heavier. For grip strength and vertical jump, Mexican children achieved better results in the earlier years (up to 9 years of age), after which Polish boys displayed greater strength and both sexes performed better in the vertical jump. Results for the shuttle run, reaction time and spine flexibility were generally better in Polish children. A correction for biological age (Lodz children showed 1-year delay in biological development as compared with Merida children) augmented the observed differences in body build and physical fitness variables. Grip strength, shuttle run and vertical jump, parameters which changed significantly between age groups, showed greater dependence on body build parameters (stature, weight and arm circumference) than spine flexibility and reaction time. A strong genetic contribution is hypothesized in relation to grip strength and shuttle run. The vertical jump seems to be less genetically controlled with the weakest genetic determination being expected for spine flexibility and reaction time. Verf.-Referat